Tŝilhqot’in Nation Warns Salmon are Still at Risk From 2024 Tŝilhqox (Chilcotin River) Landslide

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

One year after the Tŝilhqox (Chilcotin River) landslide, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation is warning that the most serious impacts on salmon and the river system may still be ahead.

On July 30, 2024, a landslide fully blocked the Tŝilhqox during the key migration period for sockeye and Chinook salmon. The landslide created an 11-kilometre lake upstream of the dam and triggered an extreme breakout flood event that severely altered the critical migratory pathway to all critical salmon spawning grounds in the Tŝilhqox watershed.

Salmon returning in the 2024 season were heavily impacted. Many fish arrived physically damaged or were unable to reach spawning grounds due to high turbidity and riverbed disruption. This included the iconic Chilko sockeye run, which suffered an estimated record-high 50% mortality loss from the ocean return to spawning grounds.

The landslide event resulted in lasting changes to the Tŝilhqox – reshaping the course of the river, depositing sediment into the system, and destabilizing slopes. These conditions create a high risk of further landslides over coming years and ongoing high turbidity levels that continue to affect salmon migration during this 2025 season (verified through TNG’s ongoing monitoring).

Most notable is a high-risk tension crack that appeared on the slope above Nagwentled (Farwell Canyon) following the breakout flood. There is a high risk that the tension crack will fail in the short term, resulting in a rockslide into the river that will likely impact fish passage and has the potential to cause blockage to salmon migration past Farwell Canyon – comparable to the effects of the 2019 Big Bar landslide on the Fraser River.

Facing these ongoing impacts and risks, TNG continues to lead a celebrated model for First Nations-led collaboration and emergency response – the Emergency Salmon Task Force, a tripartite group comprised of TNG, BC and DFO technical representatives, and Indigenous technical partner the Upper Fraser Fisheries Conservation Alliance. The Emergency Salmon Task Force has continued to meet regularly since the 2024 landslide to assess and address in-season risks to salmon returning in 2025, and at the same time proactively develop options to reduce or remove future risks of landslides and rockfall. Recognizing the ongoing risks from the landslide, the Pacific Salmon Commission has integrated the Task Force’s ongoing in-season Chilcotin landslide monitoring data into its in-season analyses that drives Fraser sockeye management at the highest level.

The Tŝilhqox Watershed is a recognized salmon stronghold of global importance. A year after the landslide, the effects of the slide are not over, and the time to act is now. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation recognizes and appreciates the excellent support and collaboration we have received from governments and NGOs immediately following the slide. We call on Canada, the US, and the Pacific Salmon Commission to work with us to continue to prioritize and proactively address threats from the landslide that could result in catastrophic impacts on these salmon stocks of regional and international significance if timely actions are not taken.

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Francis Laceese, Vice Tribal Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government stated: 

The rockfall risk at Nagwentled is a threat to our Salmon, our safety, and our way of life. This is a traditional fishing site in the Tl’esqox caretaker area and it has sustained our people for generations – it’s vital to our food security, food sovereignty, and culture. Protecting this fishery is a matter of our human rights and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The danger is real, and we cannot wait to see what happens-we must act now before it’s too late.”

Tŝilhqot’in announce historic agreement with B.C. & Taseko Mines for Teẑtan Biny / Fish Lake

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation has reached a historic agreement with the Province and Taseko Mines Limited (Taseko) that resolves the long-standing conflict at Teẑtan Biny (Fish Lake) by requiring the consent of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation for any mining activity in the area.

The Teẑtan Biny Gagaghut’i (Teẑtan Biny Agreement) establishes binding legal commitments to undertake consent-based decision-making processes for any mining activity at Teẑtan Biny.

In particular, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and Taseko have reached an agreement under which no mineral exploration or mine development can occur on the New Prosperity mineral tenures without the free, prior informed consent of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation. Additionally, the Province and the Tŝilhqot’in Nation have entered an agreement that requires the consent of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation for any mine in the Teẑtan Area that is a reviewable project under the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA) to proceed. The Province is seeking Orders in Council to prescribe this agreement under s. 7 of the EAA and to authorize negotiations with the Tŝilhqot’in Nation to set out the process for how this requirement for Tŝilhqot’in Nation consent would be addressed in any potential environmental assessment process.

Teẑtan Biny and Nabas (the surrounding area) is a place of profound spiritual and cultural importance for the Tŝilhqot’in people. This historic agreement is the culmination of three decades of resistance by Tŝilhqot’in leaders, elders, members and allies to protect Teẑtan Biny and Nabas from a massive open-pit copper-gold mine proposed by Taseko. Unwavering Tŝilhqot’in opposition contributed to the rejection of both the Prosperity and New Prosperity Mine proposals by the Government of Canada in 2010 and 2014, respectively, and a court injunction preventing Taseko from carrying out an extensive drilling program as approved by the Province in 2017.

The Agreement also establishes a land use planning process for the area declared by the Tŝilhqot’in Nation as Dasiqox Nexwagwezʔan (“There for Us”) on Oct. 4, 2014. The process will aim to establish clear land use direction that reflects the Tŝilhqot’in Nation’s vision and goals for Dasiqox Nexwagwezʔan, protects the ecological, cultural and economic sustainability of the area, and balances other interests of the Province, non-Tŝilhqot’in residents, neighbours, stakeholders and others in a positive way. A shared goal of Dasiqox Nexwagwezʔan is to express Tŝilhqot’in Aboriginal rights and empower Tŝilhqot’in laws, governance, and management systems.

The path forward also includes the termination of all litigation related to the proposed New Prosperity mine. Taseko has agreed not to undertake any further exploration or mine development on the New Prosperity mineral tenures. Any further mineral exploration and development undertaken by other proponents in the future will require Tŝilhqot’in consent, consistent with the agreement between Taseko Mines Limited and Tŝilhqot’in Nation.

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government is the governing body for the Tŝilhqot’in people. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is comprised of six communities located throughout the Tŝilhqot’in (Chilcotin) territory and is the only Nation in Canada with a court declaration of Aboriginal title (Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia).

We fought for decades to protect the Teẑtan Biny area from mining proposals that threatened our Tŝilhqot’in values and way of life. The Teẑtan Biny Gagaghut’i is something that we can all be proud of. Our rights of free, prior informed consent are protected at Teẑtan Biny. To our members, our elders, our past leadership, our allies, First Nations across BC and Canada, and everyone that has supported us over the years, nexwechanalhyagh (we thank you).”

— Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Tribal Chief, Tŝilhqot’in National Government

The proposed Teẑtan Biny Agreement can be viewed here

Special Statement from Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse re: 2025 Tl'etinqox Chief/Council Election

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

Special Statement from Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.). Tribal Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government and Chief of Tl'etinqox Government:

"Good day, this is to confirm that I will not let my name stand to run for Chief and or Council in the 2025 Tl'etinqox Government election.

It has been a wonderful, but sometimes turbulent, 16 years as Chief of Tl'etinqox. I am proud of the work I've done and leaving the community in the best financial situation it has ever seen. I feel it is time to move on and place my personal health first. It has been a difficult decision to step away and I hope the community can keep moving forward and build upon what I have established. 

I would also like to thank all of my supporters throughout my term as Chief. Without support you can't be Chief - so I am, and always will be, grateful for that. Politics in any realm isn't an easy game. It is a priority to look after your personal health.

Best wishes to the community and all the candidates running in this election."

TNG Celebrates Nits’ilʔin Alphonse being Awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal

Courtesy of Tsilhqot'in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is celebrating Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse as the recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his significant contributions to Canada and B.C. Nits’ilʔin Alphonse was nominated by Honourable Bowinn Ma, BC's Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness for his leadership and efforts to protect his community from wildfire and also advance reconciliation within the field of Emergency Management.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created in 2023 with 2024 being the first year that the medal was awarded to outstanding Canadians. There were 30,000 medals awarded in 2024

Nits’ilʔin Joe Alphonse has shown amazing leadership through his time as Nits’ilʔin and Chair of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government. He has been able to show leadership over the years by recognizing that the right decision isn’t always the easy one. In the face of the climate crisis, emergencies have become a regular occurrence for the Tŝilhqot’in Nation. All levels of government have a long way to come in managing emergencies in culturally appropriate ways that recognize Indigenous jurisdiction. Nits’ilʔin Alphonse has been there, front and center, as a leader and guide to this learning process.”

~ Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Vice Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government

TNG initiating Emergency Salmon Task Force

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

In response to the Tŝilhqox (Chilcotin River) landslide, the Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is initiating an emergency salmon task force. Increased sediment, debris, and flow to the Tŝilhqox and ʔElhdaqox (Fraser River) have and will continue to have dramatic impacts to this year’s sockeye and chinook run.

The TNG is also calling on all levels of government, downstream First Nations, the Pacific Salmon Commission, and other Nations and States, especially Alaskan fisheries, to take all precautionary measures possible to conserve Tŝilhqot’in territory-bound salmon, and to immediately cease from fisheries that may impact these stocks, until the impacts from the landslide and breach are fully understood.

The TNG continues to operate a world-class fisheries team with enhanced conservation measures and research being utilized to help ensure the survival and increase of salmon stocks in the territory. The task force will be led by the Tŝilhqot’in as the Nation determines the proper Indigenous and science-based path forward.

Government partners are invited and asked to support the Tŝilhqot’in leadership in this important work.  Other First Nations and experts will be invited to contribute both their traditional and science-based knowledge.

 

“Salmon are the main food source for our people. We already face major health problems due to a lack of access to traditional foods. Hunting in the grocery stores has brought extremely high rates of diabetes and other diet related diseases to our communities. This emergency task force will bring together experts with traditional and science-based knowledge for informed decisions to be made on the Tŝilhqox salmon stocks. We call on the Province and Canada to support us in this work. All levels of government will be invited to this task force to ensure all expertise is heard.”

“We need long term alternative solutions to the salmon stocks. We also need full rehabilitation of our fishing sites and must look at stabilizing the upstream and downstream areas. There will be a lot of work ahead of us.”

—Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.). Tribal Chair
Tŝilhqot’in National Government

Tŝilhqot’in Mark 10th Year Since Aboriginal Title Victory

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is highlighting ten years (2014-2024) since the historic Indigenous land rights victory in Canada, known as the Tŝilhqot’in Decision, while attending the United Nations Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York City. The theme of the UNPFII this year is “Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ right to self-determination in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: emphasizing the voices of Indigenous youth”.

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation fought for 25 years in Canadian courts to have Tŝilhqot’in lands, culture, and way of life recognized and respected by Canada. Their efforts resulted in the first declaration of Aboriginal title in Canadian history, affirming Tŝilhqot’in ownership and control of 1900 km2 of their ancestral lands in a precedent that stands as a landmark around the world. Today, the Tŝilhqot’in continue to work with other level of Government, including Canada, to take back jurisdiction and self-determination for the Nation.

“We are here to advocate for a better future for our next generation. Ten years on and we continue to fight for Indigenous rights, at home and on the world stage. The youth that are here in New York are very powerful with a future that goes beyond our imagination. Our title decision has given hope for a brighter future. We are seeing this in action, on the international stage, with our youth.”

—Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, O.B.C, LL.D. (hon.). Tribal Chair
Tŝilhqot’in National Government

Tŝilhqot’in Nation Receives Award for Excellence in Indigenous Governance

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

Representatives from the Tŝilhqot’in Nation were in Ottawa on May 9th, 2024 to accept the “Building Sovereignty/Nation Building” Award at the Fulbright Canada/Honouring Nations Canada National Indigenous Good Governance Awards

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is receiving this award from Fulbright Canada/Honouring Nations Canada in recognition of its work to embody strong national governance for the Tŝilhqot’in people and the six Tŝilhqot’in communities. The award honours the unity and coordination of Tŝilhqot’in leadership across the six Tŝilhqot’in communities and the nation-building efforts to transform the lives of Tŝilhqot’in peoples, including initiatives to stand up Tŝilhqot’in laws and governance, establish the Ts’iqi Dechen Jedilhtan (Tŝilhqot’in Women’s Council), implement Indigenous-led emergency management, reclaim jurisdiction for Tŝilhqot’in children and families, and operate both the Tŝilhqot’in Rangers program and a world-class Fisheries team.

Most recently, TNG created a program to empower Tŝilhqot’in youth to amplify their voices globally and at home. In partnership with Fulbright Canada and University Canada West, TNG developed and delivered training and practicum for Tŝilhqot’in youth to learn about international human rights mechanisms and participate in the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York City in April.

The Honouring Nations Canada National Good Governance Awards provide a gathering place for honourees to share their knowledge, learn about best practices of other Indigenous communities, and network with future partners. TNG will be represented by a Tŝilhqot’in Chief, the Chair of the Ts’iqi Dechen Jedilhtan (Women’s Council), the TNG Executive Director and a youth representative.

“We are honoured to be a part of the first National Indigenous Good Governance Awards. Our Nation has worked hard to reclaim jurisdiction of our lands, communities, and people. A key part of this work is to involve our youth and empower them to be leaders in all that they choose to pursue. We are excited to share our experience and to learn from other Indigenous peoples across Canada.”

—Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Vice Chair, Tŝilhqot’in National Government

TNG Demand Halt to Carlyle Commodities Exploration at Newton Gold Silver Project - Scum Lake

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is calling for Carlyle Commodities to halt its diamond drilling program at the Newton Gold Silver Project until a meeting is held between Tŝilhqot’in leadership and the Carlyle Board of Directors.

The Newton Gold Silver Project, located within the Tŝilhqot’in territory, is opposed by the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and caretaker communities of Yuneŝit’in Government and Xeni Gwet’in. British Columbia approved a five-year drilling permit in June 2022 and Carlyle has started to mobilize its operations, all without Tŝilhqot’in consent and in direct contravention of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Remarkably, Carlyle made no effort to meet with the Tŝilhqot’in prior to submitting its application for the drilling program and Carlyle’s Board and executive has not met to date with Tŝilhqot’in leadership, despite requests.

The Newton Gold Silver Project, previously owned by Amarc Resources Ltd., is currently in Phase 1 of its exploration program. The project is located near the proven Tŝilhqot’in Title area at Newton Mountain, beside Tsintŝanŝ (Scum Lake), in the Chilcotin region of B.C.

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government is the governing body for the Tŝilhqot’in people. The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is comprised of six communities located throughout the Tŝilhqot’in (Chilcotin) territory and is the only Nation in Canada with a court declaration of Aboriginal title (Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia)

On behalf of the Tsilhqot'in National Government -- Tribal Chair and Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Joe Alphonse, LL.D (hon.), OBC stated:

“Once again, a mining company is coming into the Tŝilhqot’in territory and is disrespecting Tŝilhqot’in rights and title. Carlyle Commodities has stated that the Newton Gold Silver Project is in a `mining friendly region’ without building any relationship with the Tŝilhqot’in Nation. Anyone invested in this project should be very cautious of the path that Carlyle is charting. It is unacceptable and in direct contravention of UNDRIP to proceed with the exploration program at the Newton Gold Silver Project.

We are calling for a halt to all exploration at this site until an accommodation that is deemed satisfactory to the Tŝilhqot’in has been reached between us and the Carlyle Board and Senior Executives.”

TNG rejects "non-apology" of Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb and renews its' call that he resign from office

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is rejecting Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb’s disgraceful attempt at an apology in response to a lengthy statement the Mayor shared on social post in support of the residential school system (since deleted). The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is renewing calls for Mayor Cobb to resign as yet another racist statement circulates on social media.

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation initially called for Mayor Cobb’s resignation after he shared a lengthy opinion piece on social in defence of residential schools, that included such statements as “[t]he churches do not need to apologize for trying to educate the poor in the only system that would work for nomadic peoples” and “many of the new generations just want to be victims and feel the money would solve their pain”

Last evening at a City Council meeting, Mayor Cobb stated he was “sorry” for causing offence, but also criticized the concerns raised by First Nations leadership as a “personal attack” that “does not strengthen any relationship that we have been trying to build”. Council members all denounced the Mayor’s comments but all stopped short of demanding that the Mayor resign.

At the same time, screen captures circulating on social media appear to document another post (since deleted) from Mayor Cobb’s personal account, reportedly around the same time period, commenting “… my mother in law used to say if it was shitty weather let the Indians have it.” The Tŝilhqot’in Nation continues to condemn the racist words and actions of Mayor Cobb and calls for his immediate resignation

TNG Tribal Chair Joe Alphonse stated:

"It is past the point of apologies and saying sorry to cause offence. This is not an isolated incident. This is a pattern, this is a state of mind, and it is unacceptable in a leader in this day and age. By his words and actions, Walt Cobb has lost all authority to govern and can no longer be Mayor. This Williams Lake City Council will lose all legitimacy if it wrings its hands but does nothing to remove him from leadership. He has made it very clear that he has no care or regard for Indigenous peoples in Williams Lake and the surrounding communities. Is this something the City Council and the people of Williams Lake are prepared to stand behind? Walt Cobb is an embarrassment to Williams Lake, he brings shame to this region, and it is time to turn the page and do better”.

TNG calls for resignation of Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation is calling for the resignation of Walt Cobb, the Mayor of Williams Lake, after the Mayor shared a lengthy opinion piece on social media that purported to share the “other side” of residential schools, including such statements as “[t]he churches do not need to apologize for trying to educate the poor in the only system that would work for nomadic peoples” and “many of the new generations just want to be victims and feel the money would solve their pain”.

This is not an isolated incident for Mayor Cobb and the Williams Lake Council. In June 2020, Mayor Cobb and Councillor Marnie Brenner reportedly opined about the need to understand “both sides of the story” when it comes to residential schools, in discussions with Williams Lake First Nation about an unrelated matter. Despite efforts to educate Williams Lake City Council about the realities of the residential school system, and despite the confirmation of unmarked graves at Tk'emlúps residential school and other sites across Canada, and despite the active site investigation efforts at St. Joseph’s Mission in the area and the Indian Hospital and Day School grounds at Tl’etinqox, Mayor Cobb continues to deny and dismiss the trauma experienced at these institutions by First Nations peoples and families in Williams Lake and the surrounding communities.

This is irresponsible and unacceptable conduct for a mayor in 2021. The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) calls for the resignation of Mayor Cobb and encourages others – who can rightfully take pride in the region as the home of “Orange Shirt Day” – to join this call and demand new leadership and direction for the City of Williams Lake.

TNG Tribal Chair Joe Alphonse said:

Anywhere else in Canada, at any level of government, endorsing these types of comments about residential schools would disqualify you from public office. Why is it still acceptable in Williams Lake? Other regions of British Columbia and Canada are finally acknowledging the trauma of the residential schools and the ongoing impacts for our communities. Other regions are building relationships with First Nations peoples and communities – but not Mayor Cobb. This type of mentality has to end. It is an embarrassment to the City and the region. Mayor Cobb should finally make a positive contribution to reconciliation and resign as Mayor, immediately, and make room for the real leadership this region urgently needs. If Mayor Cobb does not resign, then Williams Lake Council should hold him accountable and fire him.” 

TNG Endorses Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada for 2021 Federal Election

Courtesy of the Tsilhqot'in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government is endorsing a Liberal government led by Justin Trudeau in the upcoming Federal election on September 20th. 

Under the direction of Prime Minister Trudeau and the Liberal Government, Canada finally endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights on Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) without qualification and passed legislation to implement UNDRIP within Canada. Prime Minister Trudeau and the Liberal Government prioritized Indigenous communities during the pandemic for vaccinations and aided in the overall COVID-19 response within Tŝilhqot’in communities. 

Without this, the health of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and many other Indigenous communities would have been even further compromised. Prime Minister Trudeau has shown leadership over his time in office by working closely with the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and addressing the hard issues that matter to the Tŝilhqot’in. In 2018, Trudeau delivered a historic statement exonerating the six Tŝilhqot’in War Chiefs of 1864/65 of any wrongdoing, with the full support of Parliament. Later that year he delivered this statement of exoneration directly to our people on Tŝilhqot’in title lands. 

In 2019, the signing of the tripartite Gwets’en Nilt’i Pathway Agreement demonstrated the commitment of the Liberal Government to the hard work and sustained partnership required to advance reconciliation.  

TNG Tribal Chair/Chief Joe Alphonse said:

"“No previous Prime Minister has engaged with the Tŝilhqot’in in such an effective manner as Trudeau. Through Trudeau’s actions, we have seen that he is willing to take the time and resources needed to tackle the almost insurmountable mess that the legacy of colonization and residential schools have left. As the only recognized holders of Aboriginal title in Canada, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation is leading the way on how a true nation-to-nation relationship can happen.”

“As Indigenous people, we have operated in poverty for far too long. For the first time in history, Canada has provided substantial funding increases for First Nations people, allowing us the space to find solutions that work for our communities. Trudeau has shown leadership and commitment in the face of COVID-19. We have to take a hard look at where this country is headed if we have a majority Conservative government. In order to increase certainty and reduce conflict we must look to acknowledging rights and title of Indigenous people. We are on the brink of repeating the 2005 Paul Martin era. I encourage all Indigenous people to vote liberal across Canada.”